Anvaya 001: Sanskrit verse and reflection

Entry 001 of 005

Traditional subhāṣita · source attribution varies

First, let it be heard

अन्वय/ Anvaya

Verse 001

A Sanskrit verse

अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम्। अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः॥

In plain words

There is no letter that cannot become a mantra, no root without medicinal potential, and no person entirely without ability. What is rare is someone who knows how to put each to the right use.

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।

अयोग्यः

दुर्लभः॥

In plain words

There is no letter that cannot become a mantra, no root without medicinal potential, and no person entirely without ability. What is rare is someone who knows how to put each to the right use.

If you want to say it

amantram akṣaraṁ nāsti nāsti mūlam anauṣadham | ayogyaḥ puruṣo nāsti yojakas tatra durlabhaḥ ||

What does it convey?

Maybe talent is less scarce than context. Before asking whether someone is good enough, ask whether they have been given the conditions to be good.

The beauty of this verse

It saves its surprise for the last line.

It moves in three widening circles: a letter, a root, a person. Then the last line quietly reverses the thought, potential is common; the eye that recognises it is rare.

The verse

It saves its surprise for the last line.